Snorkel group with guide in Abu Dabab Bay National Park, Red Sea, on Hurghada turtle swim tour
Red Sea coastline view en route to Abu Dabab Bay National Park from Hurghada for a swim with turtles
Family floating in clear Red Sea water at Abu Dabab Bay National Park on Hurghada swim with turtles trip
Scuba diver beside giant moray eels on Red Sea reef, Abu Dabab Bay National Park tour from Hurghada
Snorkeler swimming close to a sea turtle in Abu Dabab Bay National Park, Hurghada day trip in the Red Sea
Speedboat cruising over turquoise Red Sea toward Abu Dabab Bay National Park for swim with turtles from Hurghada
Family snorkeling in Red Sea wearing life jackets on Abu Dabab Bay turtle swim tour from Hurghada
Speedboat in shallow turquoise water at Abu Dabab Bay National Park, Red Sea transfer from Hurghada
Scuba diver wading into Abu Dabab Bay National Park, Red Sea turtle and dugong trip from Hurghada
Snorkel with sea turtles in Abu Dabab Bay National Park on a Hurghada day trip in the Red Sea
Green sea turtle resting on sandy seabed at Abu Dabab Bay, Red Sea snorkeling tour from Hurghada
Close-up sea turtle by coral reef in Abu Dabab Bay National Park, Hurghada snorkeling with turtles
Sea turtle swimming over sandy seabed at Abu Dabab Bay National Park on Hurghada snorkel tour
Listing ID : 69245

Activity

Duration11 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtHurghada, Egypt
LanguagesArabic, Czech, Danish, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish
Red Sea Marine Experience

Abu Dabab Bay National Park Swim with Turtles from Hurghada

Discover Egypt's most protected marine sanctuary and swim alongside wild sea turtles in crystal-clear Red Sea waters.


This full-day excursion takes you from Hurghada to Abu Dabab Bay, one of Egypt's most celebrated marine protected areas, where wild sea turtles graze among pristine seagrass beds and vibrant coral formations shelter rare pelagic species.

Located along the southern stretch of Egypt's Red Sea coast, Abu Dabbab Bay sits within a nationally protected zone that safeguards a rare and delicate ecosystem. The bay is one of the few remaining habitats in the region where dugongs have been recorded, and it continues to attract sea turtles year-round, making every visit a genuine wildlife encounter rather than a staged one.

The reef system within the bay is recognized among snorkelers and marine biologists alike for its exceptional diversity. Expect an assortment of hard and soft corals hosting lionfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and larger pelagic visitors that patrol the outer reef edges. The water clarity and shallow entry points make this site accessible to swimmers of all confidence levels.

The journey from Hurghada covers a scenic stretch of coastline and takes approximately two hours each way, providing context for the scale and natural beauty of Egypt's Red Sea Riviera. On arrival, a knowledgeable guide orients the group before snorkeling begins, ensuring that all participants understand the protected area protocols and can interact responsibly with the marine life.

Tour Highlights

Snorkel in Abu Dabbab Bay, a nationally protected marine reserve on Egypt's Red Sea coast.

High probability of encountering wild sea turtles grazing naturally in their seagrass habitat.

Guided experience within a protected area that enforces responsible wildlife interaction standards.

Opportunity to spot rare pelagic species and an exceptional variety of hard and soft corals.

Round-trip transfer from Hurghada included, with a scenic coastal drive along the Red Sea Riviera.

Small-group format ensures a more personal and less crowded marine experience at the bay.

Itinerary

1
Pickup from Hurghada

Your guide collects you from your Hurghada hotel in the morning. The group transfers south along the Red Sea coast toward Abu Dabbab, a journey of roughly two hours through Egypt's desert and coastal scenery.

2
Arrival and Orientation at Abu Dabbab Bay

On arrival at the bay, your guide provides a safety briefing and explains the protected area rules. Participants receive snorkeling equipment and an overview of what to expect beneath the surface.

3
First Snorkeling Session

Enter the shallow seagrass area where sea turtles are most frequently spotted. The calm, clear water allows excellent visibility, and the gentle entry makes this accessible for all swimming abilities.

4
Reef Exploration

Move to the reef section of the bay to explore its diverse coral formations and marine life. Larger fish species and a wide variety of coral structures reward those who venture slightly deeper.

5
Lunch Break and Rest

A break on shore or at a local facility allows time to rest, eat, and reflect on the morning in the water. This interval gives sea life time to settle before the afternoon session.

6
Return Transfer to Hurghada

After the full snorkeling experience, the group boards the transport for the return drive to Hurghada. Drop-off is arranged at your hotel, completing an 11-hour round trip.

What Is Included

Included

  • Round-trip transfer from Hurghada hotels
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel)
  • Entrance fees to Abu Dabbab Bay National Park
  • Lunch meal during the excursion
  • Bottled water throughout the day

Not Included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Additional food and beverages beyond what is provided
  • Underwater camera or personal photography equipment

Important Information

Abu Dabbab Bay is a protected natural area. All visitors must follow the marine reserve guidelines, which prohibit touching marine animals, standing on coral, and using sunscreen not labeled reef-safe. Please respect these rules to preserve the ecosystem for future visitors.
Duration
Approximately 11 hours including transfers, snorkeling sessions, and a lunch break.
Meeting Point
Pickup is arranged directly from your hotel in Hurghada. Confirm your exact address at the time of booking.
What to Bring
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, sun protection (hat and sunglasses), and any personal medications.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary by booking platform. Review the policy at the time of reservation before confirming your place.
Accessibility
The tour is rated Easy. Participants should be comfortable swimming in open water. The bay has a gentle entry, though those with limited mobility should consult the operator before booking.
Age Range
The excursion is suitable for children accompanied by adults. Young children must be confident swimmers or wear a life jacket. Confirm age minimums with the operator at booking.

Ready to Swim with Sea Turtles?

Secure your place on this full-day excursion to Abu Dabbab Bay and experience one of Egypt's most remarkable marine protected areas from Hurghada.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sea turtle sightings guaranteed on this tour?
Sea turtles are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. However, Abu Dabbab Bay is one of the most reliable locations in Egypt for turtle encounters, as the seagrass beds in the bay provide their primary feeding ground year-round.
Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No prior snorkeling experience is required. The bay's shallow and calm entry point makes it suitable for beginners, and the guide provides basic instructions before entering the water.
What is a dugong and is it likely to be seen?
A dugong is a large marine mammal related to the manatee that feeds on seagrass. Abu Dabbab Bay is one of the very few locations in Egypt where dugong sightings have been documented, though such encounters are rare and cannot be predicted.
Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Non-swimmers may join the transfer and observe from the shore or a boat, but active participation in snorkeling requires basic swimming ability. Life jackets are typically available for those who need additional buoyancy support.
How far is Abu Dabbab Bay from Hurghada?
Abu Dabbab Bay is located approximately 120 to 130 kilometers south of Hurghada, making the one-way transfer around two hours by road along the Red Sea coastal highway.
What sunscreen should I use at Abu Dabbab?
Only reef-safe sunscreen is permitted within the protected area. Standard chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate are harmful to coral reefs and are discouraged or prohibited in marine protected zones.
Abu Dabbab BaySwim with Turtles EgyptRed Sea SnorkelingHurghada Day TripMarine Protected AreaSea Turtle EncounterDugong HabitatCoral Reef EgyptSnorkeling Tour HurghadaEgypt Wildlife TourNational Park EgyptRed Sea Wildlife
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: abu-dabab-turtles-hurghada

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

11 hours

Languages

Arabic - Speaking Guide

Czech - Speaking Guide

Danish - Speaking Guide

German - Speaking Guide

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

French - Speaking Guide

Italian - Speaking Guide

Dutch - Speaking Guide

Polish - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Check Availability

Select Participants

  • Adult
    Age 10 - 100
    0
  • Child
    Age 6 - 9
    0
  • Infant
    Age 1 - 5
    0

Select Participants

Select Date

Select Time
logoBlack

Extraordinary experiences,
beautifully gifted

dreamimg
Nearby Icon